Category: Health

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday handed over a Mobile Cancer Centre for the diagnosis and treatment of residents afflicted with cancer-related diseases as well as increase advocacy to prevent the spread of the scourge.

State Governor, Mr. Governor Ambode, who spoke while handing over the facility to the representatives of the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP), a nongovernmental organisation in the forefront of cancer awareness, at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, said it was in fulfillment of his promise he made in June 2016 to join the fight against cancer.

He said the Mobile Clinic, the first of its kind in Africa, procured at a cost of N365million was a confirmation of the commitment of his administration to improve on the healthcare system and also give hope to residents who may not have the wherewithal to go for diagnosis and treatment.

“I want to thank the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP). Sometime in June 2016, they did ask me to support issues that relate to cancer, but we decided that we are going to procure this Mobile Cancer Centre.

The Mobile Clinic Cancer Centre handed over to the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 ​

“What we have that we are donating today to this Committee is a Mobile Clinic that deals with issues that relate to advocacy and treatment of cancer patients because we do not have the financial resources to have Cancer centres placed in all locations in Lagos we decided to go for this Mobile Cancer centre. It’s costing us N365million approximately $1million. What this does is that we can reach out to every community and every cancer patient; we can give hope back to those who are hopeless.

“On a day like this, we extend the commitment of the State Government to the people of Lagos to improve on our health system and also help those that never imagined that there would be hope for them because they have been afflicted with cancer and any other aliment that relates to cancer,” Governor Ambode said.

While congratulating the CECP for their tremendous passion in the campaign against cancer, Governor Ambode said the facility would go a long way to deal with the cancer scourge, adding that the long term plan of his administration is to have e-mobile centres across the State that would aid early detection, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

“I have done this and it is the first in Africa if not in the world because it encompasses all other diagnostics that can bring about cancer and that’s why we are very proud to be associated with this project and we can also say that ultimately we should have e-mobile cancer centres placed all around Lagos, but we just feel by this gesture we would reach out to everyone who have been left behind in the community.

“The operations of this particular unit would be supported by us and then we would support the daily running to ensure that it is on the road everyday looking for cancer patients to bring them back to life. You can imagine the amount we have spent, it is just to bring hope to the hopeless and bring back to those who really need it,” the Governor said.

Earlier, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris said in a period where communicable diseases like cancer were fast becoming epidemic, the donation of the Mobile Cancer Centre was a direct response of the present administration to provide a stop-gap.

In her remarks, Executive Secretary of CECP, Dr. Abia Nzelu thanked Governor Ambode, saying that the gesture was a testament to the Government’s love for Lagosians as the donation was also coming on February 14 celebrated worldwide as Valentine’s Day.

“We are indeed grateful for the generosity you have shown and the love and passion you have shown towards the good people of Lagos State, particularly with regards to this cancer menace. We are particularly that this is happening on a very special Day. Today is known as Valentine’s day; a day set aside to celebrate love and indeed, you have shown that to the good people of Lagos in particular and indeed to Nigerians in general,” Nzelu said.

She said the Mobile Cancer Centre, the first of its kind in the world and fitted with digital equipment, would tackle the double burden of communicable and non communicable diseases with specific focus on cancer.

Lagos State Government, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday lauded the Canadian government for donating bio safety laboratory worth $3.25million (about N951.3million) to the State Government, saying that the gesture deserved to be commended.

Speaking at Epe while receiving the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr Christopher Thornley on a courtesy visit, the Governor also commended the Canadian government for partnering with the State Government in area of capacity building especially after the historic victory against Ebola outbreak in the State in 2014.

He said: “On behalf of the people of Lagos State, we like to say a big thank you to the Canadian government for being a very good partner to the course of Lagos State. People might not know but we need to say this clearly. Even though we came out of the Ebola crisis, ever since that success story, the Canadian government has decided to partner with Lagos State to donate to us a new laboratory that deals with bio safety and issues that relate to bio healthcare.

“As we speak, in another few weeks, the Canadian government will be shipping in equipment for the laboratory at the cost of over $3.25m Canadian dollar.

“That laboratory will be situated at the General Hospital in Mainland and that is part of the capacity building that the Canadian government is implementing to partner with us and we are very appreciative of this.”

While expressing optimism that the renewed partnership would be of mutual benefits to Nigeria and Canada, Governor Ambode expressed his readiness to partner with the Canadian government in key areas such as health, transport, investment and Public Private Partnership (PPP), among others,

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), flanked by the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr. Christopher Thornley (left) and his Deputy, Mr. James Christoff (right) during the Canadian High Commissioner’s courtesy visit at the Governor’s residence in Epe, on Thursday, January 25, 2018.

According to him, “We also know that there are whole lot of issues in the health sector and the Canadian government is willing to build capacity for us and with this partnership that we are having, this will extend to other areas and there are so much expertise that we can actually take away from Canada in terms of capacity building for PPP projects and also things that relate to transport.

“So, we believe strongly that with this visit, the partnership between us will be more strengthened and also will be of mutual benefits to Canada and Nigeria by way of investment in Lagos.”

He assured that the State Government would continue to scale up issues relating to judicial and security sector reforms to ensure safety of lives and property and create an enabling environment for investors to come into Lagos which ultimately would bring about the growth of the economy.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (5th left), with High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr. Christopher Thornley (4th left); Special Adviser to the Governor on Lagos Global, Prof. Ademola Abass (3rd left); Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr. James Christoff (middle); Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem (5th right) and some members of the Executive Council during the Canadian High Commissioner’s courtesy visit at the Governor’s residence in Epe, on Thursday, January 25, 2018.

Besides, Governor Ambode said his administration would take advantage of the Canadian Trade Office situated in Lagos to scale up investment opportunities and ensure easier business relationship.

Earlier, Thornley, who was accompanied by the Deputy High Commissioner in charge of Canadian Embassy in Lagos, Mr James Chrisoff, said the visit was to strengthen relationship between the Canadian government and Lagos State, especially to start dialogue on how to work together in key areas.

He also commended Governor Ambode for the solid infrastructures put in place in Epe and other parts of Lagos.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commended residents of the State for supporting his administration to deliver on key projects in various sectors and sections, revealing that the State generated a total of N503.7billion revenue in 2017 despite the harsh economic climate in the country.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at the first quarter Town Hall Meeting in 2018, the 10th in the series since his assumption of office, held at De Blue Roof, LTV Complex in Agidingbi, Ikeja said while the State was entering into the new year with confidence of being on a solid prosperity footing and interesting prospects for all Lagosians, it was indeed gratifying that the support of the people enabled government to achieve a lot and commenced the transformation of the landscape of the State.

He said: “As we celebrate entering a new year, we thank you all for your support and cooperation last year. It was your backing that enabled us to achieve the modest successes we recorded last year and commence the transformation of the landscape of our State. In the last year, we delivered on our promises to Lagosians despite the harsh economic climate.

“Despite the harsh economy, our State budget performed at 82 percent. Total Revenue Generated was N503.7bn representing a performance of 78 percent; Total Recurrent Expenditure was N281.33bn representing a performance of 92 percent, while Total Capital Expenditure was N387.60bn or 76 percent performance.”

The Governor listed some of the key projects delivered last year to include the new Tafawa Balewa Square Bus Terminal, new Ojota Pedestrian bridge, Aboru – Abesan link Bridge and adjoining inner roads, Ojodu Berger Slip Road and Pedestrian Bridge, Jubilee Bridges in Ajah and Abule Egba, Freedom and Admiralty Road in Lekki, new Lands Registry, newly upgraded Jubilee Chalet in Epe, among others.

In addition, Governor Ambode said as at December 2017, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (ETF) had disbursed a total of N4.5billion to 5,500 beneficiaries who also received training on financial literacy and business management, while keys were presented to beneficiaries of the first set of allottees of Lagos State Rent-To-Own Housing Scheme, as well as creation of Neighbourhood Safety Corps and beautification of the State with the erection of monuments, parks and gardens.

Giving a report of activities of his administration in the last quarter in line with tradition of the meeting, Governor Ambode said between the period under review, the State Government commissioned the first State-owned DNA Forensic Centre in Nigeria and West Africa, and in the coming weeks would sign a contract to upgrade the facility to offer toxicology services, which will make it the first in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“In fulfillment of our promise to our students in tertiary institutions across the State, this administration disbursed a total sum of N635.5million to 8,419 students across the State.

Our government acquired healthcare equipment worth N2.5 billion. The equipment will strengthen the capacity of our health facilities to render improved health services and also facilitate smooth take off of the Lagos State Health Scheme which is designed to enable residents enjoy unfettered access to qualitative healthcare.

“Since the last Town Hall meeting, we have continued the renovation and upgrade of our Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and our people at the grassroots have started to witness a revitalized healthcare delivery. In order to meet the needs of the youth in the area of technical and vocational development, we have approved the establishment of three other Technical Colleges bringing the number of Technical colleges in the State to Eight,” he said.

While reeling out the outlook for the year, Governor Ambode assured that he would sustain the momentum of development and vigorously pursue all on-going projects, with special focus on health and education.

Already, in the 2018 Appropriation Bill of N1.046trillion budget size awaiting approval of the House of Assembly, the State Government has earmarked N92.676billion for health representing 8.86 per cent and N126.302billion for education representing 12.07 per cent of the budget.

He assured that the State Government in the coming weeks would pay compensation to all those whose structures gave way for construction of the 1.4 kilometre Pen Cinema Flyover/Bridge, as well as those in Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Owutu and other areas where construction activities are ongoing.

The Governor, who also entertained questions from residents, ordered the Public Works Corporation to immediately move in to fix bad roads in Computer Village, Abesan Estate, Oriade, Abule Egba, among others, while the office of the Special Adviser on Primary Health Care was directed to make the PHC in Resettlement Area of Eti-Osa functional in two weeks.

While also revealing that the Market Development Board would be inaugurated in coming weeks, the Governor expressed optimism that when functional, the board would address issues of market relocation for developmental projects, just as he said that the Onikan Stadium will be ready in January 2019.

Besides, Governor Ambode urged all taxpayers to be alive to their responsibility of fulfilling their obligations to the State, saying regular payment of taxes remained the major source of funding infrastructures, and assured that the government on its part would judiciously utilize the taxes to make life comfortable for the people.

“I urge all taxpayers to be alive to their responsibility of fulfilling their obligations to the State. Regular payment of taxes remains the major source of funding the infrastructure being put in place to ease transportation, provide security build new roads and refurbish existing ones,” the Governor said.

Responding to a question from a resident on efforts made to forestall any invasion by herdsmen, Governor Ambode allayed fears, saying that the State Government had taken precautionary measures to ensure safety of lives and property of residents.

“We have already prayed at the beginning of this year, herdsmen would not be our portion, but after prayer, we will work. So, all the issues that you have raised, I am not taking them for granted, I will look at them and also make sure that all our security agencies are on alert and up to date to mitigate any action or intrusion that may arise from that particular quarters,” he said.

Wife of the governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has urged Nigerian youths to keep distance from drug use, for the sake of their personal health and the health of society.

She gave the advice in an address to members of the National Youth Service Corps, Batch B Stream 1, at the end of their orientation camp, at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State.

Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, inspecting a Guard-of-honour, during the talk on Drug Abuse to Youths and its Economic and Social Implications on our Society for the 2017 Batch B Stream 1 Corps Members, deployed to Lagos State, at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

Mrs. Ambode who noted that many Nigerian youths had found a new past time in the consumption of illicit drugs, warned of the profound negative health and social consequences of drug addiction.

In her words, ‘It is disheartening to note, that some Nigerian youths are into illicit drug use, which is capable of ruining lives, homes, families and the country. It is time you and I rose to the occasion by saying no to the drug epidemic, which is gradually destroying the youth generation in our country’.

The governor’s wife listed the causes of drug addiction to include, peer pressure, low self-esteem, lack of job, to ease tension or relax among others, insisting however, that youths could stay off drugs despite those excuses.

She challenged the youths to take full charge of their lives, reminding them of their responsibility for own lives, since parents could not go everywhere with them.

‘Your parents cannot be with you everywhere you go, it therefore behoves you to exhibit an upbringing that speaks of good morals, respect for elders, respect for customs and tradition, constituted authorities and above all, the fear of God almighty’, she stressed.

Mrs. Ambode implored the churches, mosques and all well-meaning Nigerians, to play meaningful roles in separating the youths from drugs.

Speaking earlier, the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Prince Mohammed Momoh, noted that about 2, 549 members, mostly females, were deployed in the state for the current batch, adding that it was the business of all Nigerians, to save the youths from plunging into a generational tragedy with drug addiction.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday said plans are underway to establish an Early Intervention Centre in 2018 to provide therapy and educational support services for infants and young children with special needs.

The centre, according to the Governor, will enable the State Government equip such children with necessary skills and help develop their potential, thereby overcoming identified developmental delays as far as possible.

Speaking at a programme put together by the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA) to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, the Governor also assured that more people with disability would be employed into the State civil service in 2018.

“Our administration is making plans to establish an Early Intervention Centre for the provision of therapy and educational support services for infants and young children with special needs. This will enable us equip these children with necessary skills and help develop their potential, thereby overcoming identified developmental delays as far as possible,” he said.

While urging Nigerians to always embrace people in such situation and look out for their welfare, Governor Ambode said it was important for the general public to refrain from looking down on them but rather look out for their good qualities.

According to him, “I urge the general public to always embrace People Living With Disabilities and always look out for the good qualities God has deposited in them.”

The Governor, who recalled his promise to deliver an all-inclusive government in which no one would be left behind, said the event was another opportunity to reaffirm the policy stance of his administration, just as he assured that the welfare and well-being of PLWDs would always be a priority.

He said the theme of this year’s celebration – “Transformation Towards Sustainable And Resilient Society For All” was apt and in tandem with his vision which is to enable people with disability become active contributors in the society.

He said: “As a government, it is very critical to us to ensure the effective integration of people living with disabilities, especially in today’s changing world.

“For us in Lagos State, we see ability in disability always. We believe strongly that the socio-economic integration of persons with disabilities is not only a human right but also a prerequisite for sustainable development. Our experience has shown that when people with disabilities are adequately empowered to participate in and lead the process of development, their entire families, communities and even the larger society will benefit.

“As a result, we are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure a more comfortable socio-economic status for these members of our community by providing them with various opportunities.”

While reeling out some of the interventions of his administration, the Governor said a total of 250 PLWDs were recently employed into the State’s Civil Service, Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, while more of such people would be employed next year.

Similarly, 500 persons have also benefitted from the State Government’s special empowerment programme drawn from the N500million Special People’s Fund established by the Ambode administration, while various assistive technologies, mobility aids and financial grants were given to 2,000 persons living with disabilities and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) involved in taking care of such categories of people.

“As a government, we will continue to embark on initiatives to improve the quality of lives of our people. We will always work to develop the productive capacity of persons with disabilities and give them opportunities to play a role in socio-economic growth of our State,” he said.

Restating the fact that there is ability in every disability, the Governor charged PLWDs not to allow any circumstance limit their progress and life aspirations, adding that they must strive to achieve the best in everything and command respect from people in the society.

In his lecture at the event, President of Benola Cerebral Palsy Foundation, AVM Femi Gbadebo commended Governor Ambode for his numerous initiatives geared toward upholding the rights and welfare of PLWDs such as N500million Disability Fund and various empowerment programmes.

Also, Chairperson of Lagos State Chapter of Joint National Association of Persons With Disability, Deaconess Beyioku Adedoyin and Dr Adebayo Adebukola of Human and Organizational Resources Development Centre commended the State Government for prioritizing the welfare of PLWDs, saying that the State had become a reference point for positively handling disability affairs and development.

At the event, awards were given to various caregivers and NGOs involved in disability affairs, while there were also performances by groups of disabled people including Divine Melody Makers Band, Down Syndrome Society and Wesley School for the Deaf and Hearing Impairment.